Preparing Your Pet For Surgery at IAD

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If your pet is booked in for surgery or a procedure at Inverloch Animal Doc, we know it can feel a little daunting. This guide walks you through what to expect before, during, and after your pet’s visit, so you feel prepared and confident on the day.

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Before Surgery: Fasting & Preparation

For most pets, fasting is important to reduce the risk of nausea or complications during anaesthesia.

Food & water

• No food after 10pm the night before surgery
• Water is fine overnight - but on the morning of admission, please remove the water bowl around 7am

Before coming in, it’s also a great idea to take your dog out for a short toilet walk in the morning, as they may not get another opportunity until after their procedure

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Important Exceptions

(Please Read Carefully)

Some pets need modified fasting or medication plans. If your pet falls into one of the categories below, follow the guidance here. If you’re unsure, please contact us.

Rabbits

• Rabbits should NOT be fasted. Please offer food as normal right up until admission
• Bring your rabbit in with: a supply of hay, their usual leafy greens and any favourite foods they like to eat
• Early eating after anaesthesia is extremely important for gut health in rabbits

Diabetic pets - most diabetic pets should receive:

• A small meal on the morning of surgery
• A reduced insulin dose (often ½ dose), unless we’ve advised otherwise
• Please follow any specific instructions already provided, and bring insulin with you.

If your pet has complex medical needs, is very unwell, or you’re uncertain what applies to them, please call the clinic for individual advice.

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Medications

• Please bring any medications your pet is currently taking 
• Continue medications as normal unless we’ve specifically told you otherwise

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The Admission Appointment

On the morning of surgery, you’ll drop your pet off at the clinic at the scheduled admission time. The admission appointment will generally take less than 10 minutes.

During admission, you will:

• Meet with the surgery nurse who will be caring for your pet throughout the day
• Confirm your pet’s details and planned procedure
• Go over the estimate of costs
• Sign the required consent forms
• Confirm who will be the primary contact person for the day
  • Please ensure this person keeps their phone on and is available to answer calls

The nurse will also talk with you about:

• Optional pre-anaesthetic blood testing, which helps check organ function, identify hidden issues, and tailor anaesthetic plans
  • Basic screening profile: approx. $150
  • Comprehensive profile: approx. $230

• Post-operative calming medications (sedatives)
  • These can be very helpful for pets that are active, anxious, or likely to struggle with rest and confinement

• Any additional concerns or requests, such as nail trims, checking a lump, or other issues you’d like us to look at while your pet is in hospital with us
  • Please let us know at admission so we can advise what’s possible
  • Additional procedures may incur extra charges if they are not already included in your estimate

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What Happens Next for Your Pet

Once admitted, your pet will:

• Have a pre-anaesthetic health check with a vet
• Receive pre-medication to help them relax and stay comfortable
• Be kept warm, calm, and closely monitored by our team

Surgery flow during the day

• Clean and sterile procedures are generally performed earlier in the day
• Very stressed or unwell patients are prioritised where possible
• “Dirty” procedures (such as dentals) are scheduled later, to maintain sterility and safety

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Recovery & Going Home

After surgery or sedation:

• Your pet will wake up in a quiet, warm recovery area
• A team member will call you to let you know how everything went
• We’ll organise a discharge time, usually between 2–4pm

At discharge, we’ll go through: medications and pain relief, feeding instructions, activity restriction and any questions you have

What to Expect at Home

It’s normal for pets to be a little groggy or sleepy the first evening, and sometimes not be as interested in dinner

We recommend preparing a recovery space before your pet arrives home:

• A quiet, comfortable area - a crate or small room (laundry, ensuite) is a good idea to minimise movement
• Baby gates or barriers to prevent stairs or jumping
• Soft bedding and easy access to water

If your pet goes home with an Elizabethan collar (cone) or a bandage, this is essential for healing.

• If we send your pet home with a cone, it needs to stay on at all times unless we tell you otherwise
• Licking or chewing wounds can quickly cause infection or wound breakdown
• Keep bandages clean and dry, and don’t remove or adjust them unless instructed
• Contact us if a bandage slips, gets wet, smells, or causes swelling

Following post-operative instructions closely helps ensure a smooth recovery.

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Questions or Concerns?

If you’re unsure about anything before surgery day, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help.

We look forward to taking great care of your pet.

– The Inverloch Animal Doc Team